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MLC School

Australia, Sydney

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees A$350 - 58,578
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1191
Type Girls School
Opened 1886
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, French, Japanese, Indonesian, German
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

MLC School is an independent girls' school affiliated with the Uniting Church, welcoming students aged 4 to 18. It delivers the Australian Curriculum up to Year 10 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Years 11–12, with a parallel Higher School Certificate pathway. The school is non-selective and supports students to pursue the pathway that aligns with their interests. Year 10 subject selection gives students agency over their future. Alumnae go on to study at universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Juilliard and London School of Music. Facilities include Senior School Centre, opened 2019, with 21 classrooms, eight science labs, seminar spaces. Meryl Hilda Wright Food Technology kitchens upgraded 2023; Centre for Design, Art and Technology (DART) hosts TAS and Visual Arts; Aquatic Centre and Music Centre support learning. The school participates in Round Square and IDEALS, with co-curriculars in sport, performing arts and community service.

The Essentials

MLC School has 1,191 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

MLC School is on Rowley Street, Burwood, NSW 2134, about 11 kilometres from the city of Sydney. Strathfield and Burwood stations are a seven-minute walk from the school. The campus has ready access to bus, train and expressway links.

Stages

Junior School Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6; Senior School Year 7 to Year 12.

Type

Independent girls' school affiliated with the Uniting Church in Australia.

Additional learning support

Learning is personalised; English and Mathematics instruction is tailored to each girl's learning needs.

Country affiliation

Australia

Religious affiliation

Uniting Church in Australia

Bus service

MLC operates six regular bus services to and from the School and one extra AM-only route. Bus routes connect Cronulla, Caringbah, Blakehurst, Hurstville; Illawong, Padstow Heights, Oatley, Narwee, Belfield, Strathfield; Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Summer Hill, Ashfield, Croydon; Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Gladesville, Drummoyne, Five Dock; Woolwich, Hunters Hill, Putney, Concord, Breakfast Point; Balmain, Rozelle, Leichhardt, Haberfield. The Rollcall bus tracking app lets parents see their daughter's location on the route.

Fees

Annual tuition at MLC School ranges from AUD 350 to AUD 58,578 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrolment Fees

- Application Fee (paid on application):
- Australian students: AUD 350 (GST included).
- Overseas (full-fee paying) students: AUD 550 (GST included).

- Final Enrolment Fee (paid after offer to secure the place):
- Australian students: AUD 3,500 (non-refundable).
- Overseas students: AUD 5,900 (non-refundable).

Tuition Fees — 2026 (Domestic / Australian students)

- Pre-Kindergarten (5 days): Annual AUD 29,124 — Per term AUD 7,281.
- Pre-Kindergarten (3 days): Annual AUD 17,780 — Per term AUD 4,445.
- Kindergarten: Annual AUD 25,740 — Per term AUD 6,435.
- Year 1: Annual AUD 26,312 — Per term AUD 6,578.
- Year 2: Annual AUD 26,312 — Per term AUD 6,578.
- Year 3: Annual AUD 30,732 — Per term AUD 7,683.
- Year 4: Annual AUD 33,072 — Per term AUD 8,268.
- Year 5: Annual AUD 33,872 — Per term AUD 8,468.
- Year 6: Annual AUD 36,168 — Per term AUD 9,042.
- Year 7: Annual AUD 41,300 — Per term AUD 10,325.
- Year 8: Annual AUD 42,656 — Per term AUD 10,664.
- Year 9: Annual AUD 43,672 — Per term AUD 10,918.
- Year 10: Annual AUD 43,672 — Per term AUD 10,918.
- Year 11: Annual AUD 44,904 — Per term AUD 11,226.
- Year 12: Annual AUD 44,904 — Year 12 tuition is billed over Terms 1 to 3; Per-term invoice amount (Terms 1–3) AUD 14,968.

Tuition Fees — 2026 (Full-fee paying Overseas students)

- Pre-Kindergarten (5 days): Annual AUD 38,636 — Per term AUD 9,659.
- Pre-Kindergarten (3 days): Annual AUD 23,588 — Per term AUD 5,897.
- Kindergarten: Annual AUD 34,156 — Per term AUD 8,539.
- Year 1: Annual AUD 36,828 — Per term AUD 9,207.
- Year 2: Annual AUD 36,828 — Per term AUD 9,207.
- Year 3: Annual AUD 40,748 — Per term AUD 10,187.
- Year 4: Annual AUD 46,112 — Per term AUD 11,528.
- Year 5: Annual AUD 47,268 — Per term AUD 11,817.
- Year 6: Annual AUD 49,568 — Per term AUD 12,392.
- Year 7: Annual AUD 54,444 — Per term AUD 13,611.
- Year 8: Annual AUD 55,844 — Per term AUD 13,961.
- Year 9: Annual AUD 57,240 — Per term AUD 14,310.
- Year 10: Annual AUD 57,240 — Per term AUD 14,310.
- Year 11: Annual AUD 58,576 — Per term AUD 14,644.
- Year 12: Annual AUD 58,578 — Year 12 tuition is billed over Terms 1 to 3; Per-term invoice amount (Terms 1–3) AUD 19,526.

Billing Schedule & Payment Terms (2026)

- Fee statements are issued at the start of each term and are payable within 14 days of issue.
- 2026 term due dates (statements expected at the start of each term):
- Term 1 due date: Tuesday 10 February 2026.
- Term 2 due date: Tuesday 5 May 2026.
- Term 3 due date: Tuesday 4 August 2026.
- Term 4 due date: Tuesday 27 October 2026.
- Year 12 accounts are billed at the beginning of Terms 1, 2 and 3 (rather than four-term billing).
- A late payment fee of AUD 75 applies if fees are not paid by the due date each term. A student cannot commence a new term while the previous term's fees remain unpaid.
- Withdrawal requires at least one full school term's written notice to the Principal; failing to give notice incurs one term's tuition fee in lieu of notice.

Boarding Fees

- Boarding is not applicable. MLC School operates as a day school for girls from Pre‑Kindergarten to Year 12.

Other Costs & Fees

- Uniforms and equipment are purchased through the School's Uniform Shop and online store; second‑hand uniform and textbook options are available via a sustainable second‑hand platform. Families should expect separate charges for uniform and stationery purchases.
- Co-curricular activities, sport and other program charges may incur additional fees and are billed separately through the School's payments systems (these are not included in tuition).
- Parents & Friends (P&F) subscription is optional but encouraged; Building Fund donations are tax-deductible and are separate from tuition and enrolment fees.
- Sibling discount on tuition: 10% reduction for the second child and 12.5% for the third and subsequent children while siblings are simultaneously enrolled.

Refunds & Fees Insurance

- Application Fees and Final Enrolment Fees are non‑refundable and are not credited towards tuition.
- Fees Insurance (optional and charged each term) is available; it provides for a refund of tuition fees for the period a student is absent from school for two or more consecutive weeks due to sickness or accident (claims require supporting documentation such as a doctor's certificate).

Fee Payment Options

- Accepted payment methods include: BPAY (preferred), online credit card payments, direct deposit, credit card payments by telephone, mail, and payment at a CBA branch. The School has partnered with Edstart for alternative payment plans (subject to approval and separate Edstart terms and fees).

Key Administrative Notes

- All enrolment fees are non‑refundable and are not credited towards tuition.
- Termly statements should be checked on receipt; contact Accounts Receivable promptly if a statement is not received to avoid late payment penalties.
Academics

MLC School teaches IB (DP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum

MLC School offers two senior pathways for Years 11 and 12: the Higher School Certificate (HSC) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). The school is non-selective and supports students to pursue the pathway that best suits their interests and goals. A Year 10 subject selection process gives students agency to shape their future. IB provides breadth and global focus, while HSC provides depth in chosen subjects. Alumnae go on to study at world-renowned universities and institutions, including Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Juilliard, and the London School of Music. These pathways prepare students for tertiary education.

Exam Results

MLC School offers both the HSC and IB Diploma in Years 11-12. In 2025, 131 Mentions on the HSC Distinguished Achievers List were recorded, with 49 students (59% of the HSC cohort) named on the list. Three students achieved the IB score of 45, and five more attained 44. Twenty-one students earned IB Certificates of Distinction. Six students were recognised as HSC All-round Achievers by achieving a high result in at least 10 course units.

Higher Education Progression

Alumnae progress to higher education at world-renowned institutions including Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Juilliard, and the London School of Music.

Gifted and Talented

All Rounder Scholarships are offered for Year 5 (2027 entry) and Year 7–11 (2028 entry) to applicants who demonstrate significant academic potential and achievement in two or more areas: Leadership; Cultural/creative/performing arts; Service; Sport. Some scholarships are means tested. Music Scholarships for Year 7 (2028 entry) are awarded to applicants who achieve excellent entrance results and are exceptional musicians; recipients must participate in the full music program from Year 9 to Year 12 and meet specified performance standards. Edna Curtis Scholarships are for daughters of Old Girls who achieve excellent results and meet all-rounder criteria. The Principal's Scholarship for Year 10 (2028) supports new entrants and covers up to full remission of tuition fees for the three years of attendance, with an entrance examination and supporting documentation required. Indigenous Scholarships are means-tested and available for Indigenous girls entering Junior School or Year 7.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Wellbeing is a multi-faceted concept encompassing physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health. Each student is supported to develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, social management, and responsible decision making. New girls receive buddy programs, orientation times, and staff support. The Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Framework is anchored by the Values circle to guide school life and decision making. The approach helps girls build resilience, foster a sense of belonging, and develop the capacity to make safe, positive choices.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Learning Enhancement Department (LED) provides specialised programs to support and extend students within classes and in small groups. Programs are delivered during the school day based on identified learning needs. LED collaborates with families and teachers to tailor support and monitor progress. LED works closely with classroom teachers in the Junior School and with Heads of Year in the Senior School. The department offers targeted intervention and enrichment within the curriculum to enable all students to access learning.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Before an offer of a place is made for overseas students, a language assessment and learner profile test determine English proficiency. If applicable, Intensive English College Reports may be provided to support language development. The school is registered to enroll overseas students under ESOS and CRICOS. There are regular entry points for overseas students, including Kindergarten, Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 11. An interview with the student and parents is required before enrolment is finalised. Enrolment requires guardianship arrangements and evidence of health cover as part of the required documentation.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported by a counselling team, chaplains, and Health Centre staff as part of the wellbeing team. The Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Framework informs school-wide strategies to support mental health. Staff conduct regular check-ins and provide wellbeing education and targeted programs to build resilience and positive relationships. Chaplains, counsellors and health staff collaborate with families to support students through transitions. The wellbeing approach is integrated with learning and daily school life to promote healthy mindsets and coping skills.

Safeguarding

MLC School provides a Reporting Service for serious concerns available 24/7. Safeguarding and child protection policies guide actions to protect students' safety and welfare. A Code of Behaviour Policy for Parents and Guardians sets expectations for conduct and partnership with the School. The Student Code of Conduct Policy outlines safeguarding responsibilities and the creation of safe learning environments. Discipline and Behaviour Management policies ensure procedural fairness and consistent application.

Admissions

Admissions

Entry Points: MLC School has formal entry points at Pre-Kindergarten – Early Years (must turn 4 by 31 May in entry year), Kindergarten – Early Years (must turn 5 by 31 May), Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 11 (spaces available to commence either the Higher School Certificate or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme). Entry at other Year levels is at the discretion of the Principal. Applications should be made as early as possible as waiting lists exist for a number of entry years.

Enrolment Steps: STEP 1 – Complete the online enrolment application and pay the application fee; entry is not academically selective. The School accepts enrolment applications any time after birth; for applications submitted less than two years before the required entry year, contact the Registrar. After the completed application and fee are received, the girl is placed on a waiting list; keep contact details up to date or the place on the waiting list may be forfeited. STEP 2 – Register for a school tour. STEP 3 – Attend an interview approximately two years prior to entry. STEP 4 – Complete the Enrolment Contract and pay the Final Enrolment Fee (due 10 days after the offer). STEP 5 – Take part in the orientation program.

Conditions and preferences: Preference for limited places is given to daughters of Old Girls and current families, but this is not guaranteed. Entry years are not guaranteed and depend on meeting enrolment steps.

Fees and finance: Enrolment Application Fee for Australian Students is A$350; Overseas Students A$550. Final Enrolment Fee for Australian Students is A$3,500; Overseas Students A$5,900. Fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees are separate and can be accessed via Omnia; for queries contact the Registrar.

Overseas enrolment: Overseas Student Enrolment is available; CRICOS: 02328D.

Scholarships

MLC School offers a range of scholarships: All Rounder Scholarships (Year 5 2027; Year 7–11 2028), Music Scholarships (Year 7 2028), Edna Curtis Scholarships (Year 7 2028), Principal's Scholarship for Year 10 2028, Indigenous Scholarships. The majority of scholarships require an entrance examination; shortlisted candidates attend a Scholarship Activity Day and an interview. Some scholarships are means-tested. Scholarships for Year 7–11 2028 entry have dates: Registrations Open 29 June 2026; Close 30 September 2026; Testing Day 17 October 2026. For Year 5 2026–27 entry: Registrations Open 28 April 2026; Close 28 July 2026; Testing Day 8 August 2026. All Rounder Scholarships for Year 5 2027 offer 50% tuition relief for Year 5–12 (conditions apply). Music Scholarship details include minimum AMEB grade or equivalent; applicants must provide evidence from their instrument teacher. Edna Curtis Scholarship is for daughters of Old Girls; Principal's Scholarship for Year 10 2028 covers up to full tuition remission for three years and is open to new applicants only (Australian residents); applications require an entrance examination and financial documentation. Indigenous Scholarships are means-tested for entry to Junior School or Year 7; general enrolment application by 30 January prior to entry; Year 7 applicants must sit the scholarship examination and shortlisted candidates are interviewed. For more information, email registrar@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Waitlist

Waiting lists exist for a number of entry years. After a completed online enrolment application and payment of the application fee, a girl is placed on the waiting list. Parents should keep contact details up to date; if the School cannot contact the family, the waiting list place may be forfeited. Preference for limited places may be given to daughters of Old Girls and current families, but this is not guaranteed. Entry years with waiting lists are determined by the School and are not guaranteed.

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